Islanders clinch playoff berth with 5-1 win over Sabres

New York secures a playoff spot in March for the first time since 1990

Mar 30, 2019 | 10:02PM

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Mar 30, 2019; Uniondale, NY, USA; New York Islanders celebrate the goal by New York Islanders right wing Jordan Eberle (7) against the Buffalo Sabres during the first period at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Schneidler-USA TODAY Sports (Dennis Schneidler)

The Islanders and their fans had every reason to revel in this moment.

For this isn't some ho-hum achievement, not for a team which missed the playoffs for two seasons after winning a round in 2016 and saw its star player and captain John Tavares leave in free agency, leaving everybody wondering how the Isles would pick up the pieces.

Nine months later, here the Islanders stand with an 'X' next to their name in the standings, punching their ticket to the playoffs at the Coliseum Saturday night with a 5-1 win over a Sabres team which represented the ideal opponent to face in such a clinching scenario, a woeful club offering little resistance. This is the first time the Islanders have clinched a playoff spot in March since 1990, and it's their first time clinching a berth at home in 17 years.

Credit to the players, all of whom knew how big of a loss Tavares was but who had no designs on adopting a woe-is-me attitude, and all of whom bought in to new coach Barry Trotz's style after he came over fresh off winning his first Stanley Cup with the Capitals.

"The strength of this team has been its backbone, not its wishbone," Trotz said after the clincher.

This is an Islanders team that is greater than the sum of its parts, one that adapted quickly to Trotz's grinding, defensive style which, along with terrific goaltending, has helped the Isles go from worst in the league to best in the East in terms of goals allowed. Trotz's presence has been crucial for the development of Scott Mayfield, Adam Pelech, Ryan Pulock and Devon Toews.

And it was fitting that Robin Lehner was in goal Saturday and got the win, making 31 saves. He was by far the biggest signing by new general manager Lou Lamoriello, one of the best sports executives the New York area has ever seen. After becoming sober, Lehner has thrived in a timeshare with Thomas Greiss after signing a one-year, $1.5 million deal and figures to be their playoff starter.

"Playoffs baby, playoffs! Wow, what a feeling," Lehner said in front of the Coliseum crowd in an MSG TV interview after the game. "Unbelievable year. Best group of guys, great organization, best fans. Most people have doubted us all year. … We'll see what happens."

Lamoriello decided against dealing assets to acquire a scorer at the deadline, but they've gotten just enough. Mathew Barzal has had his ups and downs after winning the Calder Trophy last year, but he has 18 goals and 44 assists in 79 games. New captain Anders Lee secured his third straight 50-point season with an assists on Saturday, Brock Nelson has recorded his first 50-point season and Josh Bailey is one assist away from his third straight 40-assist campaign. Anthony Beauvillier is up to 18 goals after scoring twice on Saturday.

Casey Cizikas has been through it all with the Islanders since debuting in 2012 and hit the 20-goal mark for the first time after grinding for six seasons with Cal Clutterbuck and Matt Martin, back with the Isles this season after a two-year stint with the Maple Leafs.

Trotz has made it all work, and his name was among the chant emanating from the stands Saturday night. The coach appreciated the gesture, but with a smile on his face he requested that the fans cheer the players.

"I'm just that pretty face behind the bench, so chant their names, please," Trotz said.

A division title is still possible, home-ice advantage in the first round within reach. The Islanders will celebrate this unlikely journey to the postseason, but their focus will turn quickly. They have a chance to compete for the Stanley Cup, and after the season they've had, surely they'll be asking, "Why not us?"

Islanders prospect G Ilya Sorokin heading to New York next season: report

A third-rounder back in 2014, Sorokin has been in the KHL prepping for this

One of the Islanders' top prospects in G Ilya Sorokin looks like he's heading to New York next season.

According to Sports-Express' Igor Eronko, Sorokin has refused to sign an extension with his KHL team, CSKA, and will instead sign with the Islanders once his current deal expires on April 30.

A third-rounder of the Isles back in the 2014 NHL Draft, Sorokin has been playing exclusively in the KHL since 2012, first with Novokuznetsk Metallurg for three seasons followed by CSKA Moscow up until now. And he's been one of the top goalies in the league with a 1.50 goals against average during the 2019-20 season. He was also 4-0 in the playoffs with a 0.73 GAA this year.

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Barry Trotz thanks Islanders fans for continued support during 'unprecedented times'

Islanders were one point out of a playoff spot when season was paused

By Alex Smith | Mar 18 | 3:31PM

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May 1, 2019; Raleigh, NC, USA; New York Islanders coach Barry Trotz speaks to the media after game three of the second round of the 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports (James Guillory)

With the hockey world on pause, along with seemingly the rest of the world amid the coronavirus pandemic, Islanders head coach Barry Trotz took a moment to send a message to Islanders fans, thanking them for their continued support.

Players are allowed to return home for now

In the NHL's latest guidelines in regards to the coronavirus pandemic, the league looked ahead to when they hope to return to action.

The CDC is strongly recommending that no gatherings of 50 or more people take place for the next eight weeks. So, in compliance with that, the league is hoping to open "a training camp period roughly 45 days into the 60-day period."

The league's notice added that once the self-quarantine period is over, allowing teams to open up their facilities for "scheduled and coordinated small groups for voluntary training and care" can occur.

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NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman talks what's next for league after coronavirus shutdown

The league paused operations on Thursday with the Isles one point back in the Wild Card race

"We're going to have to rely on others as to when it's safe, which is why people can speculate but nobody can predict with certainty (when the return will be)," Bettman said, according to Nicholas J. Cotsonika of NHL.com. "Nobody knows how long the hiatus may be. Nobody, even the medical community, can predict it with certainty. And what we're doing is, we're modeling every conceivable alternative so that when it's appropriate to go back to work, we will know what our options (are)."

Adding that the league doesn't know "what the pieces are yet," Bettman said they're trying to "model every conceivable alternative."

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NHL pauses season due to coronavirus, with hope to resume when 'appropriate and prudent'

The NBA suspended their season on Wednesday night

By Garrett Stepien & Danny Abriano | Mar 12 | 1:36PM

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Dec 1, 2018; Uniondale, NY, USA; General view of the opening puck drop between the New York Islanders and the Columbus Blue Jackets during the first period at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports (Brad Penner)

After the NBA's decision Wednesday night to suspend the season due to the coronavirus outbreak in the United States, the NHL followed suit Thursday afternoon.

The NHL announced before Thursday's games that it would be pausing the season with the hope of resuming games when "appropriate and prudent."

Islanders (35-23-9, 79 points: Tied for first Wild Card)

Islanders to make players available to media outside dressing room due to coronavirus concerns

NHL reportedly leaving decision up to teams on where to hold postgame media availability

Mar 7 | 3:11PM

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The Islanders are playing host to the Carolina Hurricanes at Nassau Coliseum on Saturday. Due to concerns of spreading coronavirus, players will be made available after the game outside the dressing room, rather than at a traditional postgame scrum.

The Devils and Rangers are set to play at Madison Square Garden at 7 p.m., but as of yet, neither team has announced plans to limit media access.

Earlier in the day, it was reported that the NHL would close all dressing rooms to the media on recommendation from the Center of Disease Control. However, The Post's Peter Botte reports that the league will leave that decision up to the teams, and the Islanders have chosen to hold all media availability outside the dressing room, at least for Saturday.

'There's been no damage to his eye. He had quite a night.'

A very scary situation occurred during the Islanders-Canadiens matchup on Tuesday night when Johnny Boychuk caught the skate of Artturi Lehkonen near his eye.

Islanders team president and GM Lou Lamoriello says Boychuk will be fine after a plastic surgeon quickly stitched up his eyelid.

"Johnny Boychuk is OK," Lamoriello told reporters on Wednesday. "There's been no damage to his eye. He had quite a night. First of all, you don't know what happens. He felt the skate blade get his eye, but fortunately just got the eyelid and it took 90 stitches to fix."

Islanders will play all playoff games, 2020-21 season at Nassau Coliseum, Gov. Andrew Cuomo confirms

The Islanders are officially moving back to Long Island after splitting games in Brooklyn

By Garrett Stepien | Feb 29 | 1:55PM

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Feb 29, 2020; Uniondale, New York, USA; New York State governor Andrew Cuomo addresses the media announcing that the Islanders will play all this years playoff games and all next years home games at the Nassau Colisuem prior to the game against the Boston Bruins at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports

The Islanders are coming home. Prior to Saturday's 1 p.m. game against the Boston Bruins, the Islanders announced that any home playoff games and the 2020-21 season will be played at Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, New York, on Long Island.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo made the Islanders' move back from Barclays Center in Brooklyn official, holding a press conference during an eventful pregame ceremony that included the No. 91 jersey retirement of former center Butch Goring (1980-85).

"They're here today," Cuomo said. "The Islanders are going to be playing every home game next season right here. The Islanders will be playing every home playoff game this season right here."

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Islanders reportedly set to play all playoff and 2020-21 games at Nassau Coliseum

Islanders have been splitting games at Barclays Center

By Alex Smith | Feb 28 | 6:21PM

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(Catalina Fragoso)

Good news sounds like it's on the way for Islanders fans.

According to a report from Newsday, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is expected to announced on Saturday that any Islanders playoff games this season and all regular-season games next season will be played on Long Island at the Nassau Coliseum.

Following next season, the Islanders will then head to their permanent new home at Belmont Park.

The way things currently stand, the Islanders were to split home games, both regular season and playoffs, between the Coliseum and Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

More Panarin magic in OT led to the win

By Alex Smith | Feb 26 | 12:33AM

Jean-Gabriel Pageau's Islanders debut was quite a memorable one, but it was overshadowed by another stellar Artemi Panarin effort as the Rangers topped the Islanders 4-3 in overtime on Long Island.

In his first game since being acquired in a deadline deal and then signed to a six-year extension with his new team, Pageau scored his 25th goal of the season and also was involved in a fight, picking up a game misconduct and leaving the loss early.

"I want to prove...they made the right decision signing me long-term"

The Islanders made a big splash before the NHL trade deadline, striking a deal with the Senators for C Jean-Gabriel Pageau in exchange for a 2020 first- and second-round pick as well as a 2022 third-round pick. It was a move that not only proved GM Lou Lamoriello is truly all-in with his current roster, but proved he really believes in Pageau to deliver.

At first, the trade seemed like a big risk as Pageau was set to be a free agent after the season. But the Islanders were quick to sign the 27-year-old, who is currently on pace to break his career high in points this season, to a six-year extension worth $30 million.

So you can understand why Pageau was all smiles when speaking to the New York media for the first time after his first practice.

One of the biggest moves ahead of the NHL's 2020 trade deadline on Monday was the Islanders' deal for forward Jean-Gabriel Pageau.

The Isles bolstered their offense with the Senators scorer, sending a first-round and second-round pick at the 2020 NHL Draft for Pageau. A third-round pick in 2022 also went the Sens way.

Based on the price tag, the 27-year-old was going to need an extension from his new team as his contract was set to expire following the season. He got one from the Islanders shortly after the 3 p.m. deadline passed.

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Islanders putting together package for Wild's Zach Parise: report

Andrew Ladd would be sent to Minnesota in the deal

By Coby Green | Feb 24 | 12:55PM

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(David Berding)

The Islanders and Wild are reportedly putting together a trade that would bring Zach Parise back to the Tri-State Area.

According to TSN's Frank Seravalli, the Wild would send Parise to the Islanders to reunite him with GM Lou Lamoriello, and in return would receive a package that includes Andrew Ladd.

Lamoriello was the Devils GM back in 2003 when they selected Parise with the 17th overall pick in that year's NHL Draft.

The Islanders have made a big move before the NHL trade deadline, as they have struck a trade with the Senators for C Jean Gabriel Pageau, per multiple reports.

In exchange, TSN's Bruce Garrioch has New York sending a first- and second-round pick in 2020 and a third-rounder in 2022.

Trading for Pageau with his contract expiring at the end of the season sees like a risk, especially giving away three draft picks. However, Sirius XM NHL's Pavid Pagnotta is hearing team president Lou Lamoriello & Co. are already finalizing an extension with the 27-year-old.

The Islanders have acquired defenseman Andy Greene from the Devils on Sunday afternoon, in exchange for defenseman David Quenneville and the club's second-round pick in the 2021 NHL Draft, the team announced.

Quenneville, 21, will report to the Devils' AHL affiliate in Binghamton.

New Jersey now has seven picks in the 2021 NHL Draft -- their own first, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth-rounds picks, in addition to New York's second-round pick and Arizona's third-round pick.

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Islanders call up 2016 first-round pick Kieffer Bellows

Bellows leads AHL's Bridgeport in scoring

By Nick Wojton | Feb 3 | 4:06PM

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(Timothy T. Ludwig)

The Islanders called up forward Kieffer Bellows from the AHL's Bridgeport Sound Tigers on Monday

Bellows was the club's first-round pick in the 2016 NHL Draft, the No. 19 overall selection.

The 21-year-old is leading the Sound Tigers in points this season. In 45 games played, Bellows has 16 goals and 24 total points.

Islanders defenseman Adam Pelech has torn his Achilles tendon and will miss the remainder of the season, the team announced Friday morning.

Islanders president and GM Lou Lamoriello said Pelech suffered the injury off the ice in "a freak accident" prior to their game against the Devils on Thursday.

The 25-year-old was in the midst of his fifth season in the NHL and had played in all 38 games this season for the Isles before missing Thursday's matchup with New Jersey. He scored one goal and assisted on eight up to that point.

The Islanders set a franchise record on Thursday night after beating the Penguins 4-3 in overtime, extending their points streak to 16 consecutive games, breaking the mark set in 1982.

They went down early, as Evengi Malkin scored a little over a minute into the first period to give the Penguins a 1-0 lead. But with 4:48 left in the first period, Scott Mayfield tied the game at 1-1 on a Matthew Barzal assist.

Early in the second period, the Islanders went down again when Bryan Rust scored for the Penguins on an unassisted slap shot to take a 2-1 lead. Anthony Beauvillier scored with 8:22 left in the second period to tie the game, thanks to assists by Derick Brassard and Ryan Pulock.

Islanders top Penguins in OT to extend point streak to 15 games, tying franchise record

Islanders were down two goals late in the third

By Alex Smith | Nov 19, 2019 | 10:04PM

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(Eric Hartline)

The Islanders tied a franchise record on Tuesday by topping the Penguins 5-4 in overtime, extending their point streak to 15 games, matching the mark set by the team in 1982.

The Islanders fell into an early hole, as Bryan Rust lit the lamp about midway through the first quarter. Five minutes later, Brandon Tanev notched his fourth goal of the season, putting the penguins up 2-0 at the end of the first period.

In the second, though, the Islanders fought back. Early in the period, Anthony Beauvillier scored his seventh goal of the season to get the Islanders on the board, and less than three minutes later, Brock Nelson's fifth goal of the season tied the game at 2-2.

WATCH: Islanders' Barry Trotz downplays this year's edition of John Tavares' return to New York

Tavares played nine seasons with Islanders

Nov 12, 2019 | 6:57PM

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The Islanders' 10-game win streak came to an end last week, but another big game is on the horizon.

On Wednesday, the Islanders will welcome the Toronto Maple Leafs to the Coliseum, meaning that former Isles captain John Tavaras will once again be returning to the venue he called home for nine seasons.

Islanders head coach Barry Trotz isn't expecting this year's return to be anywhere as meaningful as Tavares' first trip back, which came last season.

On Thursday night, the Islanders failed to hold onto a three-goal lead in the third period, eventually falling to the Penguins, 4-3, in overtime at Barclays Center.

The team's 10-game streak was the second-longest winning streak in team history. The only better mark in the history of the franchise came in 1981-82, when the team won 15 straight en route to their third-straight Stanley Cup championship.

These players/coaches left the Big Apple with a bad taste in their mouth

Every New York sports fan has their one favorite player or coach, past or present, that they absolutely love. They've given years of service to help your favorite team win, and they've done so while playing or managing at the highest level.

But not every marriage has come to a happy ending in the Big Apple.

While this city has had its fair share of legends on every team, there have also been some pretty bad breakups throughout each league. And, as agents of chaos in this case, we're here to remind you of some of the ugliest divorces that your favorite teams have seen in recent years.

Islanders top Senators 4-1, extending win streak to 10 straight games

10-game streak is the second longest in team history

By Alex Smith | Nov 5, 2019 | 10:49PM

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The wins just keep on rolling in for the Islanders.

With Tuesday night's 4-1 win over the Ottawa Senators at Barclays Center, the team has now won an improbable 10 games in a row, the second-longest winning streak in team history. The only better mark in the history of the franchise came in 1981-82, when the team won 15 straight en route to their third straight Stanley Cup championship.

"It was a difficult game. Ottawa's playing good hockey right now," said head coach Barry Trotz. "They made us earn everything. ... We just stayed with what we do."

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Here are the Islanders' odds to win the 2019-20 Stanley Cup

The Isles are building off a postseason appearance from last year

By Garrett Stepien | Oct 2, 2019 | 4:20PM

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Sep 24, 2019; New York, NY, USA; New York Islanders left wing Anthony Beauvillier (18) skates toward the puck during the third period against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Sarah Stier-USA TODAY Sports (Sarah Stier)

Two days before the Islanders' 2019-20 season officially gets underway Friday at 7 p.m. from Nassau Coliseum in East Garden City, New York, odds became available Wednesday for the Stanley Cup.

According to Odds Shark, the Islanders are a notch above the Rangers, tied with the Montreal Canadiens at +3500.

Sep 25, 2019 | 7:24PM

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Islanders owner Jon Ledecky recently reacted to the groundbreaking of the team's new Belmont arena, and he's happy to be building a new home for "the greatest fans in sports."

"We've doubled our season ticket holder base moving some games to Nassau (Coliseum), and we're going to double it again because now all of the surrounding communities have the ability to enjoy hockey here in a couple of years."

Islanders break ground on Belmont Park arena, add more games at Nassau Coliseum in 2019-20

The Isles will play 28 games at Nassau Coliseum this season

With Governor Andrew Cuomo and other dignitaries on hand, the Islanders officially broke ground on their new arena in Belmont Park on Monday afternoon.

It was also announced that the Isles will play 28 games at Nassau Coliseum this season -- seven more than originally planned.

"The Islanders belong on Long Island - and today we start building the state-of-the-art home this team and their fans deserve while generating thousands of jobs and billions in economic activity for the region's economy," Governor Cuomo said. "With seven more Islanders games at the Coliseum this season, fans will have even more opportunities to see their favorite team and generate momentum for the move to their new home in two years. At the end of the day this project is about building on two great Long Island traditions - Belmont Park and the Islanders - and making them greater than ever."

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Islanders sign center Derick Brassard

The veteran signed a one-year deal worth $1.2 million

By Colin Martin | Aug 21, 2019 | 5:45PM

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Apr 28, 2019; San Jose, CA, USA; Colorado Avalanche center Derick Brassard (18) reacts after missing a shot against the San Jose Sharks in the second period of game two of the second round of the 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports (John Hefti)

According to Arthur Staple of The Athletic, the Islanders have officially signed center Derick Brassard to a one year deal worth $1.2 million.

Brassard, 31, has played in 786 career NHL games with six different teams over the course of his career. He entered the league in 2006, when the Columbus Blue Jackets selected him with the No. 6 overall pick, and played there until 2013. Among his other stops are the New York Rangers, Ottawa Senators, Pittsburgh Penguins, Florida Panthers, and most recently the Colorado Avalanche.

Last season, which he spent with the Penguins, the Panthers, and the Avalanche, Brassard played in 70 games and managed 14 points off goals and 23 points total. It was definitely the worst season of the veteran's career, but he does bring some offense to the third line.

The Islanders were a true upstart and underdog story last season in the NHL, rolling to a surprise second-place finish in the Metropolitan Division and a first-round sweep of the Pittsburgh Penguins.

That dream run ended when the Carolina Hurricanes returned the sweep favor in the second round, but Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello says a major key to continue the franchise's recent successes was the approval of the organization's new Belmont arena.

"You know how big it is. Without a new arena, there would not be the Islanders on Long Island. I think that says it all," Lamoriello told Newsday.

'You had one job...'

By Alex Smith | Aug 10, 2019 | 3:48PM

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Apr 28, 2019; Brooklyn, NY, USA; New York Islanders goalie Robin Lehner (40) makes a save against the Carolina Hurricanes during the third period of game two of the second round of the 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports (Brad Penner)

Former Islanders goalie Robin Lehner was awarded the 2018-19 Masterton Trophy, given annually to the National Hockey League player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to ice hockey.

On Saturday, he shared a photo of the trophy on his Twitter account, with one glaring error.

Disappointing seasons from the Rangers and Devils prompted impressive offseason work from both organizations. It certainly helped that both teams had the top two picks in the NHL Draft -- selections that netted potentially franchise-altering talents in Kappo Kakko and Jack Hughes, respectively.

While they didn't have a high draft pick or significant free agent signing, the Islanders made a handful of moves, mainly in the form of re-signings. For the most part, their roster enters 2019-20 relatively unchanged.

Taking all of this into consideration, here's a closer look at the biggest moves each organization made...

Robin Lehner explains what happened with him and Islanders

Lehner said team gave him an 'ultimatum' without hearing his decision

By Tom Krosnowski | Jul 2, 2019 | 6:08PM

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Apr 28, 2019; Brooklyn, NY, USA; New York Islanders goalie Robin Lehner (40) makes a save against the Carolina Hurricanes during the third period of game two of the second round of the 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports (Brad Penner)

On the heels of the Islanders' winningest season since 1984, the expectation was that the team would try its hardest to keep Vezina Trophy finalist Robin Lehner around.

Once free agency started though, Lehner might as well have been voted off the Island.

According to Lehner, he was given an "ultimatum" from the Islanders, and they moved on without hearing his decision.

Islanders on free agent Artemi Panarin's list, but not the favorite

The Panthers are at the top, with Isles and Rangers behind

Jun 27, 2019 | 11:38AM

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May 2, 2019; Columbus, OH, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Artemi Panarin (9) celebrates after scoring a goal against the Boston Bruins in the first period during game four of the second round of the 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports (Aaron Doster)

The top free agent in the NHL market this summer is by far Artemi Panarin, the Blue Jackets' left winger that has been a consistent points machine for four seasons. The Islanders are expected to be very aggressive in trying to land him, but they don't seem to be the favorite at the moment.

According to The Post's Brett Cyrgalis, the Panthers are the leading candidate to land the 27-year-old. The two main reasons Cyrgalis has the Panthers at the top is the fact that Florida doesn't have any state income taxes, and the Panthers have hired Joel Quenneville as head coach. Quennevile coached Panarin during his first two seasons with the Blackhawks.

Why does income tax matter? Florida can actually offer Panarin more than the Islanders, or even the Rangers, when it comes down to contracts. Panarin is looking to settle down with a seven-year deal at $11-12 million per season.

With the NHL Draft in the books, the Islanders have important roster decisions to make

Captain Anders Lee is set to hit the open market on July 1st

By Peter Botte | Jun 22, 2019 | 6:27PM

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New York Islanders left wing Anders Lee handles the puck against Carolina Hurricanes goalie Petr Mrazek during the second period in Game 1 of the second round of the 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Barclays Center. (Catalina Fragoso/USA TODAY Sports)

Now that the NHL Draft is over, the Islanders must turn their full attention to avoiding a second consecutive summer defined by the departure of their team captain.

John Tavares infamously bolted for hometown Toronto as an unrestricted free agent last July, and the Isles are moving precariously close to his replacement wearing the "C" - left wing Anders Lee -- hitting the open market. Free agents can begin speaking with other teams beginning Sunday, with the signing period slated to open on July 1.

"I never thought it would get to this point, but I guess it's the nature of what this week means," Lee told Newsday at a charitable function to raise money for children with cancer on Saturday in New York.

Holmstrom has been a member of the Swedish National Junior Team

Jun 21, 2019 | 10:52PM

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Jun 21, 2019; Vancouver, BC, Canada; Simon Holmstrom after being selected as the number twenty-three overall pick to the New York Islanders in the first round of the 2019 NHL Draft at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports (Anne-Marie Sorvin)

The Islanders selected RW Simon Holmstrom with the 23rd-overall pick in the 2019 NHL Draft.

Islanders goalie Robin Lehner is no stranger to long odds. Suggesting at this time a year ago that he would be a Masterton Trophy winner and a Vezina Trophy finalist might have even surprised Lehner, though.

Lehner took home the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy Wednesday night, awarded to the player who best exemplifies perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to the game. Earlier this season, he shared his inspiring story about his battle with addiction and bipolar disorder, which resulted in an outpouring of support and admiration from players and fans alike. Lehner responded by leading the Isles to the playoffs with the best season of his career.

Before he collected his award, Lehner spoke about his looming contract situation. He isn't signed for next season, but made it very clear on Tuesday's media day that he desperately wants to be back on the Island.

Islanders head coach Barry Trotz wins 2019 Jack Adams Award

Trotz helped turn the Islanders around in his first season, sweeping the Penguins in the first round of the playoffs

Jun 19, 2019 | 9:45PM

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Mar 28, 2019; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; New York Islanders Head Coach Barry Trotz looks on during the third period against the Winnipeg Jets at Bell MTS Place. Mandatory Credit: James Carey Lauder-USA TODAY Sports (James Carey Lauder)

Islanders head coach Barry Trotz was awarded the 2019 Jack Adams Award, given annually to the NHL coach who contributed the most to his team's success.

Trotz is the second Islanders head coach to ever win the award, joining Al Arbour in 1978-79.

In his first season with the Islanders, Trotz led the club to a 103-point campaign, their highest point total since the 1983-84 season. The Islanders' fourth-place Eastern Conference ranking was their best finish since the conference was created in 1993.